Michael Gonzalez

Why Do I Run ? .....

I am well aware of the benefits I receive from running. I've enumerated the physical and mental changes. Listed the emotional and spiritual gains. Charted the improvement that has taken place in my person and my life. What I have not emphasized is how transient these values and virtues are. It should be evident that physical laws parallel those of the mind and the spirit. We know that the effects of training are temporary. If inactive, I will de-train in even less time than it took me to get in shape. And since my entire persona is influenced by my running program, I must be constantly in training. Otherwise the sedentary life will inexorably reduce my mental and emotional well-being. So, I run each day to preserve the self I attained the day before. And coupled with this is the desire to secure the self yet to be. There can be no let up. If I do not run I will eventually lose all I have gained.